INVESTIGATIONS into the exact cause of the fire which gutted School View in Bursar Street, Cleethorpes, have yet to be formally concluded.
But the owner, Keith Newsum, said firefighters have told him a carelessly discarded cigarette was to blame.
Today, he is urging other landlords to ensure tenants know the risks surrounding smoking to prevent the risk of tragedy and a repeat of the devastation to his property.
Information on Humberside Fire And Rescue Service's website states that more people die in fires caused by smoking than in fires caused by anything else.
It states: "Tobacco is manufactured to stay alight, meaning it can remain smouldering and start a fire.
"Cigarettes burn at 700ºC and contain chemicals which keep them alight."
It also offers advice for smokers on staying safe, including:
Never smoke in bed for fear of setting fire to bed clothes or bedding.
Do not smoke while drowsy, especially if you have been drinking.
Lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes should never be left to balance on an ash tray in case they land on the carpet or other flammable material.
Lighters, matches and smoking materials should be kept out of the reach of children.
The fire service's group manager, Steve Topham, said three pumps from Peaks Lane and one from Immingham East attended the fire at School View.
The alarm was raised at 12.07am and the first crew arrived in four minutes.
He told the Grimsby Telegraph the fire had started on the ground floor and spread to the first landing, before engulfing the rest of the property.
Group manager Topham said the quick actions and skill of the fire fighters had brought the blaze quickly under control, confirming no injuries were reported, but that eight people had been evacuated from the premises.
He said five adjoining homes were also evacuated, as firefighters vented and checked their homes as smoke spread in the roof void.
Humberside Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended.
Anyone wishing for help in quitting smoking can call the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline on 0800 1690169 or visit the Go Smoke Free website.
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